Readiness & Deployment Support

Readiness and Deployment Support Trainers (RDST) at Camp Pendleton provide a variety of readiness education and deployment support. Offering classes, workshops and briefs that discuss a variety of readiness education and deployment support issues defines the role of this program. The “Warrior Kids” series provides support and encouragement to kids ages 5-12 throughout the entire deployment cycle (pre, mid, and return). The “Warrior Teen” workshop is geared toward teens ages 13-18, and focuses on the challenges that are unique to that age group when a parent deploys. Lastly, the “Strong Marine Couples” reintegration workshop, addresses the ups and downs of reuniting in a relaxed environment.

Family Readiness Officers or members of a Command Team in need of a unit-specific brief or workshop may contact the RDST office at (760) 763-1337.

Classes & Workshops

Want dates, times and locations for any of the classes listed below? Click on Calendar of Events!

Pre-Deployment Brief

Deployment? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Unfortunately there’s no choice in the matter, so you might want to be as ready as possible when the day comes. This is your chance to fill your brain with more deployment related information than you knew even existed, and all of it applies – no fluff, no filler, all FACTS! Regular topics include:

Wills and Powers of Attorney

Family Care Plan

Storage of your belongings

Pay and Entitlements

Operational Security

Communication plans

Financial planning

Mid-Deployment Self-Care & Success Workshops

Midway madness is where it’s at! Whether you’re actually halfway through a deployment or somewhere pretty darn close, we’ve got you covered. Maybe you’re a totally Rock Star and you’ve stuck to your “Pre-Deployment Resolutions,” for the rest of us mere mortals, it’s time to regroup, reenergize and RELAX! This workshop is all about you. You’ve been holding everything together for longer than you care to remember and we want to give you a few tools to lighten the load (just to be clear, that is NOT a cleaning service or nanny or anything like that).

This workshop focuses on revitalizing your inner strength and endurance during the separation of deployment. Commands have a choice of holding a Mid-Deployment Self Care Workshop, Mid-Deployment Success Workshop, or a combination of the two. Workshops are facilitated on a unit-specific basis approximately halfway through the deployment. Some of the topics include:

Physical Fitness

Relaxation

Nutrition

Education

Networking

Family Care Plan

Financial Responsibility

Return & Reunion Workshop

WHAT MONTH IS IT?!? That’s right, Homecoming is right around the corner and there are tons of things left to do: lose 10 lbs, clean the house, throw out all of the chocolate, kick the dog out of the bed, stop feeding the kids cereal everyday – all the important stuff. But wait, what about the other things? The stress and separation of deployments can make homecomings feel nearly as overwhelming as their departure. It’s a crazy mix of excitement and anxiety. No matter what your relationship looks like, this workshop is for you. Join us in taking a closer look at the reunion process, specifically focusing on the expectations and challenges that come along with it.

This brief is facilitated on a unit specific basis, and typically conducted 14-30 days prior to the unit’s return. Some of the topics include:

Homecoming planning

Communication

Tools for managing stress

Romance and intimacy

Return and Reunion workshops are available for parents and extended family at the request of the unit Family Readiness Officer or Command Team.

Reintegration: Strong Marine Couples

How much do you bench? OK, maybe we’re not talking about that kind of STRONG, but strong relationships do take some work too. Reconnecting after a deployment may be smooth sailing, or may make you feel like you’re training for a World’s Strongest Man contest. So, grab your spotter and join us for this fantastic workshop (no chalk or lifting belts required). We’ll be addressing the effects of reintegration on a relationship, looking into what creates true relationship satisfaction and sharing deployment or separation experiences in a fun way.

This workshop is facilitated on a unit specific basis, and typically conducted 60-90 days after the unit’s return. Some of the topics include:

Common post deployment reactions of Marines and their significant others

Warrior Kids Series

Do you want your child to be a ninja master in just a few short hours? Us too, because that would be awesome! Sadly, we don’t have the skills or time necessary to do that. So, what is the Warrior Kids Series all about?

Pre-Deployment Workshop: “Rockin’ The Deployment”

Kids and their parent(s) attend together for this great opportunity to include the youngest members of the family in the Pre-Deployment process and remove the mystery from what can be a very scary time. This workshop is perfect for any family with a Marine or Sailor preparing to deploy or recently deployed.

Mid-Deployment Workshop: “Calling All Pirates”Kids get to hit up three venues or “stations” where they’ll take part in different projects and activities. Also, FOCUS (Families OverComing Under Stress) provides an interactive and fun class that plugs straight into the challenges kids are facing in the midst of deployments. BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE! As a “kids only” event, you’re free to enjoy a few hours doing whatever you want after you’ve dropped them off.

Return & Reunion Workshop: “Home Of The Brave”

Kids and parents team up, preparing to positively and successfully adjust to the return of a deployed parent. This workshop is perfect for any family with a Marine or Sailor returning home in the next 30-60 days.

Warrior Teen Workshop (Ages 12-18)

Cage Fighters may be tough, but nothing is harder than being a military teen! Your lives are full of challenges that most of your friends may never understand: Growing up bouncing from base to base, having a parent that deploys thousands of miles away, or changing schools like you change socks (hopefully more often than schools though). This workshop offers you a chance to fight back. You’ll need your competitive edge, your street smarts and a whole lot of teamwork as we take on a ton of topic, including: